Kids

Polymer Clay Projects for Kids

Kids love to play with clay. It gives them the freedom to build anything they want, squash it and start all over again to make something new. Plus, they love the way cool, soft clay feels in their hands. They're allowed to get messy and let their imaginations soar.

In addition to being fun, there are several other benefits to clay-play as well, such as:

  • Develops motor skills: Kids get to roll, squeeze, flatten, twist, pinch and punch clay. Creating with clay gives kids a whole-body experience where they use both large and fine motor skills.
  • Builds thinking skills: Kids develop problem-solving skills when they think about what they want to build and how they are going to build it. 
  • Helps kids express their emotions: Playing with clay is therapeutic for both kids and adults. With clay, children get to express their emotions and turn their thoughts and feelings into tangible objects. 
  • Provides a multi-sensory experience: Playing with clay stimulates more than one of the senses. It allows children to touch, see and smell the clay. They can listen to clay, too, when they squish it between their fingers or tear it apart. We don't recommend they taste clay, but polymer clay is non-toxic, so there's no need to panic if they do. Sensory play is an important part of brain development because it encourages children to use their senses to problem-solve and create.

Kids can make a shape and continuously reshape the clay to their heart's content. They can create their favorite cartoon characters or pretend they own a bakery — there is no limit to what a child can imagine and create with polymer clay. 

What Our Polymer Clay Is Made Of

Our polymer clay is non-toxic and safe for children to use. However, we don't recommend polymer clay for children under age eight, because the clay can stain surfaces so tables and work areas should be protected at all times.

So, what exactly is polymer clay? It's basically a bendable plastic. More specifically, polymer clay is composed of polyvinyl chloride polymers, plasticizers and coloring agents. Our polymer clays can safely be baked in the oven between 250 and 285 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the product. None of our products contain wheat, gluten, dairy, sulfur or latex.

Our Sculpey brand products are approved by the Art and Creative Materials Institute, which ensures only the highest-quality materials are used. Our children's products also comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

To ensure greater safety, we recommend:

Besides being non-toxic, polymer clay is great for kids because it's soft and easy to shape, and there are lots of bright, stimulating colors to choose from. Every child, no matter what their skill level is, can enjoy playing and exploring with polymer clay. 

The Best Types of Polymer Clay for Kids

Polymer clay, in general, is an excellent toy for kids. However, some types of polymer clay are better for detailed work like jewelry-making, rather than play. Here are our recommendations for products that are the most kid-friendly, spark creativity and are more flexible for tiny fingers:

  • Sculpey Bake Shop: Sculpey Bake Shop is perhaps the best choice for young beginners. It is the least expensive Sculpey polymer clay available and stays soft until baked. It's a great way to introduce kids to polymer clay, let them play and explore this medium. 
  • Original Sculpey: Original Sculpey comes in three classic clay colors - white, terra cotta and granite and has a ceramic feel. It is also inexpensive, soft and pliable, and Original Sculpey might be a fun choice for earthy projects or making simple shapes with kids.
  • Sculpey III: Sculpey III is another outstanding choice for kids. It is soft, yet strong enough to hold detail. This brand of polymer clay is available in a variety of playful bright colors. 
  • Sculpey Bake Shop Light: Just as it sounds, Bake Shop Light is soft and easy to use. Kids can make their own colors by mixing different clays. Bake Shop Light floats, too, so it's the perfect choice for making boats, ducks or other bath-time toys.
  • Bake Shop Glow-In-The-Dark Sculpey: Kids will be so excited to shape creepy creatures, aliens from outer space or recreate a night sky with glow-in-the-dark Sculpey. Glow-in-the-dark Sculpey only needs a few minutes under a light to recharge. Kids can turn their whole room into a glow-in-the-dark wonderland in no time.
  • Sculpey Air-Dry Clay: Unlike our other polymer clay products, Sculpey Air-Dry does not require baking to harden. This is the perfect choice for kids who want to make crafts from start to finish all on their own. It's lightweight, durable and suitable for decorating with acrylic paint after it dries. 
  • Sculpey Non-Dry Clay: Sculpey Non-Dry Clay never dries out and doesn't require baking. Your child can have fun building and rebuilding different shapes and figures for hours. This clay is wax-based and sticks together, making it easy for children of all skill levels to create different figures.
  • Bake Shop Bendy: Bake Shop Bendy lets kids make rubbery figures that won't break after baking. This material is a good choice for children who want to create rubber dolls or other bendable toys.
  • Bake Shop Eraser Clay:Kids will be thrilled to design real erasers with Bake Shop Eraser Clay. All they have to do is form a shape and bake to have a custom eraser they can use. They might be more excited about doing their homework, too!

Once you've picked out clay, it's good to have a few tools handy to encourage creativity further. However, your child can be just as inventive with their own two hands, so tools might not be necessary. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Plastic cookie cutters
  • Plastic rollers
  • Rubber stamps
  • Plastic utensils
  • Plastic clay tool set
  • Plastic molds

Children can use pretty much anything to stamp clay with or to help them form or cut out shapes. However, we don't recommend sharp or metal tools without supervision because of safety risks.

Different Kinds of Kids' Polymer Clay Projects 

There's no limit to polymer clay activities kids can engage in. You can join them in their fun, too, and help them try out new ideas. For example, you can work with your child to create an educational clay project, like a model of the solar system or one that explains different animal species. Or you can work on holiday-themed projects together, to help create a unique gifts for friends and family! 

Want to preserve memories? You can create pieces that feature handprints or make picture frames. Anything you can think of, you and your child can make it a reality with polymer clay. Here are just a few kids' polymer clay ideas to help inspire fun clay creating with kids.

Toys:

  • Dolls
  • Figures
  • Animals
  • Fantastic creatures
  • Tea set
  • Cars, planes or boats
  • Finger puppets
  • Tic-tac-toe
  • Magic wands
  • Stick puppets

Holiday:

  • Ornaments
  • Figurines
  • Dioramas
  • Greeting cards
  • Snowglobe figurines 
  • Halloween dragon claws

Nature:

  • Leaf or flower imprints
  • Flowerpots
  • Windchimes
  • Birdhouse
  • Animal footprints

Decorative:

  • Pencil holders
  • Trays
  • Mosaics
  • Flowers or plants
  • Magnets
  • Pinch pots
  • Mobiles
  • Coasters
  • Transform other items with clay
  • Light switch cover
  • Polymer clay scene jar
  • Napkin rings
  • Collages
  • Pencil toppers
  • Bookmarks
  • Backpack charm

Keepsakes:

  • Picture frames
  • Jewelry or clay beads
  • Handprint, fingerprint or footprint keepsakes
  • Clay self-portrait

You can add sparkle, paint or other elements to projects, too. Some additional items you might use with polymer clay include:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glitter
  • Magnets
  • Rope
  • String
  • Jewels
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Acrylic paint
  • Metallic paint pens
  • Googly eyes
  • Foil

With the right materials and a little bit of imagination, anything is possible with polymer clay.

Polymer Clay Project Ideas Kids Will Love

Are you excited to play with clay? It's great for a child to explore clay possibilities on their own, but it's also important for kids to spend quality time with parents and other family members. Engaging in an activity with your child is important because:

  • Quality time makes your child feel important and loved.
  • Your child gets a chance to express their thoughts and emotions.
  • You can observe your child's strengths and weaknesses and learn how to guide them.
  • You get to develop a stronger bond with your child.

Here are five polymer clay projects you and your child can do together. Kids may have so much fun with these projects, they might become clayers for life. Who knows — you might join them!

1. Sculpey Bake Shop Transfer Magnets

Kids will have a blast transferring their own hand-drawn images to clay and then turning them into magnets using Sculpey Bake Shop. They'll be amazed by the process, and they can create entire magnetic worlds and characters to play with. It's easy, and it makes hanging homework assignments on the fridge a lot more fun. This project is great for the classroom or at home. Here's what you'll need:

  • Sculpey Bake Shop Variety Pack
  • Sculpey Acrylic Roller
  • Sculpey Modeling Tools, 4-pack
  • Computer paper
  • Access to a scanner and a laser printer
  • 72 percent rubbing alcohol
  • Cotton balls
  • Plain white paper
  • Magnets
  • White glue
  • Scissors

Here's what you'll do:

  • Scan black-and-white drawings and print them out on a toner-based printer, like a laser printer.
  • Pinch off a small portion of clay of your chosen color.
  • Knead the clay until it is soft.
  • Flatten the ball of clay and place it on a sheet of paper.
  • Use the acrylic roller to flatten the ball to 1/4 to 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Cut out the printed images, or transfers, leaving some white around the image.
  • Place each image face-down onto a flattened piece of clay.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and sweep it across the transfer quickly.
  • Make sure the entire transfer is covered with the alcohol. It should be wet enough to see the image through the paper, but not too wet.
  • Allow the alcohol to evaporate for a couple of minutes until it looks dry again. Redampen.
  • Wait until it's almost dry again, then carefully peel the transfer off of the clay.
  • Use the Sculpey knife tool to cut the images out of the clay.
  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Lay the images on a baking sheet.
  • Bake according to package directions.
  • Once the images are cooled, glue magnets to the backs.

2. Sculpey Keepsake Handprint Ornament

A Sculpey Keepsake Handprint Ornament is the perfect project for Mother's Day, Father's Day or any day of the year. A handprint ornament makes a wonderful gift, and it is also something your child can cherish for many years. All you need to get started is our Sculpey Keepsake Deluxe Handprint Kit. Once you have the kit, here is what you will do:

  • Start with clean hands and a clean work surface. Use wax paper, foil, metal or glass to protect the work area.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Knead the clay for two minutes.
  • Form a smooth ball and place the ball in the middle of the ring.
  • Flatten the ball until it fills the ring.
  • Using the roller, roll the clay in the ring until it is even and smooth.
  • Gently push the clay from the bottom sides until it comes out of the ring.
  • Make sure your child's hands are washed and dried.
  • Leave room on the bottom or side of the clay to put your child's name and date.
  • Press your child's hand firmly into the clay. You can use a foot for a footprint instead.
  • Use the pointed end of the detail tool to make two holes at the top of the ornament for a ribbon. 
  • Use the detail tool to add your child's name and date. You can also write the name and date with permanent marker after baking instead.
  • Put the ornament on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After baking, allow the ornament to cool and then add the ribbon.

You can add all kinds of creative details when the ornament is finished baking and has cooled. For example, you can use acrylic paint to add more color or add glitter to make the ornament sparkle and shine.

3. Bake Shop Light Ice Cream Cone Pen

Get your child excited to write with a pen that looks like an ice cream cone. Just try not to make it too realistic, or they might be tempted to take a bite.

An ice cream cone pen is fun, easy and turns an ordinary old pen into a sweet treasure. Kids will love to add their own "toppings" or use their favorite flavors.

If your child doesn't want an ice cream pen, that's no problem, either. Lightweight Pluffy makes it easy to turn a pen into anything your child wants, whether it be animal-shaped or decorated like a slice of pizza. With Pluffy, anything their heart desires is within their reach. Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Bake Shop Light multipacks in Pastel, Tropical and Primary colors
  • Sculpey Clay Conditioning Machine
  • Sculpey Modeling Tools, 4-pack
  • Bic pen
  • 3.5-inch Circle Cutter
  • Pliers

Here's what you and your child can work on together:

  • Remove the ink cartridge from the pen with pliers and set aside.
  • Mix beige and brown Pluffy in even parts to form a 1 to 1/8-inch ball.
  • Shape into a thick log and press the pen through it.
  • Form into a cone shape around the pen.
  • Put the clay conditioning machine on setting number four.
  • Mix beige and brown to create more light-brown clay.
  • Pass the light brown mixture through the conditioning machine.
  • Use the circle cutter to cut out a circle.
  • Create a waffle pattern in the circle shape using a modeling tool.
  • Fold the waffle-patterned piece around the cone shape.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Place the cone on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions.
  • Allow cooling after baking.
  • Cut small pieces of brown clay for chocolate chip pieces.
  • Cut up tiny pieces of red clay for strawberry pieces.
  • Bake the brown and red pieces according to package instructions, and let cool.
  • Form two 1 1/8-inch balls of lime green and pink.
  • Form a one-inch beige ball
  • Stretch bottoms of both the pink and beige balls to create a dripping look.
  • Flatten the bottom of the lime green ball.
  • Center the lime green ball over the pen on top of the cone, and push through, followed by the pink ball and beige ball. Gently press together.
  • Form a 1/4-inch red ball for the cherry.
  • Press the cherry on top. 
  • Decorate the lime green ball with chocolate pieces and the pink ball with strawberry pieces.
  • Bake according to the package instructions.
  • Allow the cone to cool and reinsert the pen cartridge.

4. Bake Shop Light Pencil Cup

A Bake Shop Light Pencil Cup is super easy to make and is a great choice for the beginning clay-crafter. Kids can familiarize themselves with Bake Shop Light when they make this pencil cup. Once they realize how fun and easy polymer clay is to use, they'll want to move onto the next project. Maybe they'll want to make an ice cream cone pen next to go with their new colorful pencil cup. Just make sure you're around when it comes time to trim the clay with the craft knife. All you need to get started is:

  • Bake Shop Light Multipack — Brights 
  • Paint can or soup can
  • Craft knife

Here's what you'll do:

  • Roll eight to 10 snakes of each color that are about five inches long and 1/4-inch thick.
  • Arrange the colors around the can vertically, alternating colors.
  • Press them gently into the can.
  • Trim off excess clay with the craft knife.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Bake the can according to package instructions.
  • After the pencil cup is cool, help your child pick out favorite pens and pencils to fill it with.

5. Sculpey Treasure Box

Kids love special boxes to store their tiny treasures. Whether a child wants a box to hold jewelry or to hide magical stones they find on a nature hike, a box keeps beloved objects all in one place.

We are are going to show you how to make a Sculpey III Dino Treasure Keeper Box. This personalized box is perfect for both girls and boys who love dinosaurs and even features a window to peek in on the adorable clay dinosaur inside. You can easily customize the instructions to suit the tastes of your little clayer. If they wish to have a butterfly box instead, for example — no problem! Have fun, play around and enjoy this neat little treasure box. Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Sculpey III clays: Sky Blue, Granny Smith, Emerald, Tan, Turquoise, Elephant Gray, Red, Black, White
  • Wooden window box
  • Sky blue and tan acrylic paint
  • Toothpick
  • Paintbrush
  • Craft knife
  • Glue

Here's how to prepare the box:

  • Paint the inside of the box sky blue. It may need two coats.
  • Paint the window insert a tan color.
  • Allow both to dry completely before adding clay to the box.

Next, take these steps to make the dinosaur figure:

  • Roll a dime-sized ball of Sky Blue clay for the body.
  • Flatten the ball and form an oval shape.
  • Make sure it fits into the window area nicely.
  • Roll a small blue ball for the head. 
  • Use a craft knife to make a mouth.
  • Attach the head to the body.
  • Roll a small blue ball to form the tail. 
  • Flatten and shape into a triangle.
  • Press the tail onto the body. 
  • Roll out a 1/8-inch diameter snake of Granny Smith clay.
  • Slice the snake into 5 equal pieces.
  • Form the pieces into triangles. 
  • Attach to the dinosaur's back to create its spikes.
  • Roll a 1/16-inch diameter snake of Turquoise clay.
  • Cut into 5 equal pieces.
  • Roll the pieces into small balls.
  • Press the balls onto the dinosaur's body for spots.
  • Make a tiny white ball for the eye.
  • Press the white ball onto the head.
  • Add a tiny black piece of clay to the center of the eye.
  • Set the dinosaur on a baking surface.

Now, prepare your child's name for the box and other decorations:

  • Roll out a 1/8-inch diameter snake of Tan clay.
  • Cut pieces and form letters of the name you wish to create.
  • Place the letters on the baking surface.

To make clouds for the box:

  • Roll 8 small balls of white clay and flatten.
  • Form into oblong shapes.
  • Use a toothpick to add a textured look to the clouds.
  • Place clouds on the baking surface.

To make birds:

  • Roll out 1/16-inch diameter snake of Black clay.
  • Cut into two 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Form points on each end of each piece.
  • Use the toothpick to bend the center of each piece.
  • Place birds on the baking surface.

To make hills:

  • Roll 8 balls of Granny Smith clay.
  • Make different sizes for a variety of hills.
  • Flatten and form into hill shapes.
  • Press on the box to make adjustments to size and determine placement.

To make palm trees:

  • Roll three 3/16-inch by 3/4-inch diameter snakes of Tan clay to form a tree trunk.
  • Cut into three pieces to make three trees.
  • Flatten and use the toothpick to carve lines and create a bark look.
  • Roll 15 equal-sized ovals of Emerald Green clay for the treetops.
  • Flatten green pieces.
  • Use the toothpick to create a leaf pattern on each piece.
  • Arrange each leaf on top of each tree with 5 leaves per tree.

To make decorative leaves:

  • Roll 21 small balls of Emerald Green clay.
  • Form into oblong shapes and flatten.
  • Point each end.
  • Press rounded ends of 3 leaves together.
  • Use the toothpick to draw a line down each leaf.

To make the volcano:

  • Roll a 1/2-inch wide ball of Elephant Grey clay.
  • Form into a mountain shape with a flat top.
  • Use the toothpick to create vertical lines down the mountain.
  • Roll a 1/4-inch ball of Red clay.
  • Form into an oblong shape.
  • Press on top of the volcano and pull it down slightly to make it look like lava.

With all your pieces shaped and ready, it's time to create the clay scene for the outside of your box and get ready for baking. Here's how:

  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Make a scene one-side-of-the-box at a time.
  • Place each scene panel onto the baking surface.
  • Bake the 4 scenes, plus the separate birds, name letters, dinosaur and clouds according to package instructions.
  • Allow scene and pieces to cool before attaching to the box.

To finish the treasure box:

  • Glue the dinosaur onto the window insert.
  • Glue the letters on top of the front of the box.
  • Glue the scene panels onto the lower side of the box.
  • Glue the birds and clouds on the box where you wish.
  • Allow everything to dry overnight.

A Few Quick Tips

Before you get started on one of the above projects or any polymer clay crafts for kids, we suggest keeping the following tips in mind.

  • Don't use too many colors: Try to stick with only a few colors at first. Young ones tend to mix lots of different colors, which produces a muddy color. So, keep it simple in the beginning.
  • Keep polymer clay away from a heat source: Polymer clay will cure, or harden, at a low heat, so store projects or leftover clay away from heaters or windows. 
  • Protect work surfaces: Create a workspace by covering a surface with wax paper or aluminum foil to help protect furniture from polymer clay.
  • Clean hands first and between colors: Always wash hands with soap and water and dry before working with clay. Wash or use baby wipes to clean hands when switching between clay colors.
  • Prepare clay for crafting: It's recommended to knead clay or use a clay conditioning machine or pasta machine before each project to make sure clay is soft, smooth and ready for crafting.
  • Guide children through the process: Kids will be so excited to make a new craft with polymer clay, and they will look forward to working on a project with you. Guide them through different steps until they build their claying skills and confidence. Soon, they'll be able to complete many projects on their own. However, they can explore and experiment with polymer clay anytime at any level.
  • Follow baking instructions carefully: Make sure to follow package instructions exactly as they say because baking a project too long or for too little at the wrong temperature can ruin it. That's the last thing we want to happen after all the fun you and your child had creating your masterpiece.

Where to Get Polymer Clay for Kids

There are so many clay-making ideas out there that there are entire books written on the subject. Children love to play, explore and create their own masterpieces without instruction, too, and we highly encourage that. 

If you're inspired by these clay ideas for kids and are wondering where to get Sculpey brand polymer clay, you've come to the right place. From Sculpey Original to Sculpey Pluffy, we have the polymer clay kits and products you need to get started.

For more than 50 years, Polyform Products Company has helped bring innovation and creation to homes and communities all over America, by delivering the latest and greatest Sculpey polymer clay products. We know our stuff and would love to answer any questions you have about polymer clay or Sculpey products.

We hope we inspired you and your child to jump into the world of polymer clay with kids' Sculpey projects. You'll create great memories together, build new skills and have lots of cool mementos as souvenir of your polymer clay adventures.

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Polymer Clay Projects for Kids

Kids love to play with clay. It gives them the freedom to build anything they want, squash it and start all over again to make something new. Plus, they love the way cool, soft clay feels in their hands. They're allowed to get messy and let their imaginations soar.

In addition to being fun, there are several other benefits to clay-play as well, such as:

  • Develops motor skills: Kids get to roll, squeeze, flatten, twist, pinch and punch clay. Creating with clay gives kids a whole-body experience where they use both large and fine motor skills.
  • Builds thinking skills: Kids develop problem-solving skills when they think about what they want to build and how they are going to build it. 
  • Helps kids express their emotions: Playing with clay is therapeutic for both kids and adults. With clay, children get to express their emotions and turn their thoughts and feelings into tangible objects. 
  • Provides a multi-sensory experience: Playing with clay stimulates more than one of the senses. It allows children to touch, see and smell the clay. They can listen to clay, too, when they squish it between their fingers or tear it apart. We don't recommend they taste clay, but polymer clay is non-toxic, so there's no need to panic if they do. Sensory play is an important part of brain development because it encourages children to use their senses to problem-solve and create.

Kids can make a shape and continuously reshape the clay to their heart's content. They can create their favorite cartoon characters or pretend they own a bakery — there is no limit to what a child can imagine and create with polymer clay. 

What Our Polymer Clay Is Made Of

Our polymer clay is non-toxic and safe for children to use. However, we don't recommend polymer clay for children under age eight, because the clay can stain surfaces so tables and work areas should be protected at all times.

So, what exactly is polymer clay? It's basically a bendable plastic. More specifically, polymer clay is composed of polyvinyl chloride polymers, plasticizers and coloring agents. Our polymer clays can safely be baked in the oven between 250 and 285 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the product. None of our products contain wheat, gluten, dairy, sulfur or latex.

Our Sculpey brand products are approved by the Art and Creative Materials Institute, which ensures only the highest-quality materials are used. Our children's products also comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

To ensure greater safety, we recommend:

Besides being non-toxic, polymer clay is great for kids because it's soft and easy to shape, and there are lots of bright, stimulating colors to choose from. Every child, no matter what their skill level is, can enjoy playing and exploring with polymer clay. 

The Best Types of Polymer Clay for Kids

Polymer clay, in general, is an excellent toy for kids. However, some types of polymer clay are better for detailed work like jewelry-making, rather than play. Here are our recommendations for products that are the most kid-friendly, spark creativity and are more flexible for tiny fingers:

  • Sculpey Bake Shop: Sculpey Bake Shop is perhaps the best choice for young beginners. It is the least expensive Sculpey polymer clay available and stays soft until baked. It's a great way to introduce kids to polymer clay, let them play and explore this medium. 
  • Original Sculpey: Original Sculpey comes in three classic clay colors - white, terra cotta and granite and has a ceramic feel. It is also inexpensive, soft and pliable, and Original Sculpey might be a fun choice for earthy projects or making simple shapes with kids.
  • Sculpey III: Sculpey III is another outstanding choice for kids. It is soft, yet strong enough to hold detail. This brand of polymer clay is available in a variety of playful bright colors. 
  • Sculpey Bake Shop Light: Just as it sounds, Bake Shop Light is soft and easy to use. Kids can make their own colors by mixing different clays. Bake Shop Light floats, too, so it's the perfect choice for making boats, ducks or other bath-time toys.
  • Bake Shop Glow-In-The-Dark Sculpey: Kids will be so excited to shape creepy creatures, aliens from outer space or recreate a night sky with glow-in-the-dark Sculpey. Glow-in-the-dark Sculpey only needs a few minutes under a light to recharge. Kids can turn their whole room into a glow-in-the-dark wonderland in no time.
  • Sculpey Air-Dry Clay: Unlike our other polymer clay products, Sculpey Air-Dry does not require baking to harden. This is the perfect choice for kids who want to make crafts from start to finish all on their own. It's lightweight, durable and suitable for decorating with acrylic paint after it dries. 
  • Sculpey Non-Dry Clay: Sculpey Non-Dry Clay never dries out and doesn't require baking. Your child can have fun building and rebuilding different shapes and figures for hours. This clay is wax-based and sticks together, making it easy for children of all skill levels to create different figures.
  • Bake Shop Bendy: Bake Shop Bendy lets kids make rubbery figures that won't break after baking. This material is a good choice for children who want to create rubber dolls or other bendable toys.
  • Bake Shop Eraser Clay:Kids will be thrilled to design real erasers with Bake Shop Eraser Clay. All they have to do is form a shape and bake to have a custom eraser they can use. They might be more excited about doing their homework, too!

Once you've picked out clay, it's good to have a few tools handy to encourage creativity further. However, your child can be just as inventive with their own two hands, so tools might not be necessary. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Plastic cookie cutters
  • Plastic rollers
  • Rubber stamps
  • Plastic utensils
  • Plastic clay tool set
  • Plastic molds

Children can use pretty much anything to stamp clay with or to help them form or cut out shapes. However, we don't recommend sharp or metal tools without supervision because of safety risks.

Different Kinds of Kids' Polymer Clay Projects 

There's no limit to polymer clay activities kids can engage in. You can join them in their fun, too, and help them try out new ideas. For example, you can work with your child to create an educational clay project, like a model of the solar system or one that explains different animal species. Or you can work on holiday-themed projects together, to help create a unique gifts for friends and family! 

Want to preserve memories? You can create pieces that feature handprints or make picture frames. Anything you can think of, you and your child can make it a reality with polymer clay. Here are just a few kids' polymer clay ideas to help inspire fun clay creating with kids.

Toys:

  • Dolls
  • Figures
  • Animals
  • Fantastic creatures
  • Tea set
  • Cars, planes or boats
  • Finger puppets
  • Tic-tac-toe
  • Magic wands
  • Stick puppets

Holiday:

  • Ornaments
  • Figurines
  • Dioramas
  • Greeting cards
  • Snowglobe figurines 
  • Halloween dragon claws

Nature:

  • Leaf or flower imprints
  • Flowerpots
  • Windchimes
  • Birdhouse
  • Animal footprints

Decorative:

  • Pencil holders
  • Trays
  • Mosaics
  • Flowers or plants
  • Magnets
  • Pinch pots
  • Mobiles
  • Coasters
  • Transform other items with clay
  • Light switch cover
  • Polymer clay scene jar
  • Napkin rings
  • Collages
  • Pencil toppers
  • Bookmarks
  • Backpack charm

Keepsakes:

  • Picture frames
  • Jewelry or clay beads
  • Handprint, fingerprint or footprint keepsakes
  • Clay self-portrait

You can add sparkle, paint or other elements to projects, too. Some additional items you might use with polymer clay include:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glitter
  • Magnets
  • Rope
  • String
  • Jewels
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Acrylic paint
  • Metallic paint pens
  • Googly eyes
  • Foil

With the right materials and a little bit of imagination, anything is possible with polymer clay.

Polymer Clay Project Ideas Kids Will Love

Are you excited to play with clay? It's great for a child to explore clay possibilities on their own, but it's also important for kids to spend quality time with parents and other family members. Engaging in an activity with your child is important because:

  • Quality time makes your child feel important and loved.
  • Your child gets a chance to express their thoughts and emotions.
  • You can observe your child's strengths and weaknesses and learn how to guide them.
  • You get to develop a stronger bond with your child.

Here are five polymer clay projects you and your child can do together. Kids may have so much fun with these projects, they might become clayers for life. Who knows — you might join them!

1. Sculpey Bake Shop Transfer Magnets

Kids will have a blast transferring their own hand-drawn images to clay and then turning them into magnets using Sculpey Bake Shop. They'll be amazed by the process, and they can create entire magnetic worlds and characters to play with. It's easy, and it makes hanging homework assignments on the fridge a lot more fun. This project is great for the classroom or at home. Here's what you'll need:

  • Sculpey Bake Shop Variety Pack
  • Sculpey Acrylic Roller
  • Sculpey Modeling Tools, 4-pack
  • Computer paper
  • Access to a scanner and a laser printer
  • 72 percent rubbing alcohol
  • Cotton balls
  • Plain white paper
  • Magnets
  • White glue
  • Scissors

Here's what you'll do:

  • Scan black-and-white drawings and print them out on a toner-based printer, like a laser printer.
  • Pinch off a small portion of clay of your chosen color.
  • Knead the clay until it is soft.
  • Flatten the ball of clay and place it on a sheet of paper.
  • Use the acrylic roller to flatten the ball to 1/4 to 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Cut out the printed images, or transfers, leaving some white around the image.
  • Place each image face-down onto a flattened piece of clay.
  • Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and sweep it across the transfer quickly.
  • Make sure the entire transfer is covered with the alcohol. It should be wet enough to see the image through the paper, but not too wet.
  • Allow the alcohol to evaporate for a couple of minutes until it looks dry again. Redampen.
  • Wait until it's almost dry again, then carefully peel the transfer off of the clay.
  • Use the Sculpey knife tool to cut the images out of the clay.
  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Lay the images on a baking sheet.
  • Bake according to package directions.
  • Once the images are cooled, glue magnets to the backs.

2. Sculpey Keepsake Handprint Ornament

A Sculpey Keepsake Handprint Ornament is the perfect project for Mother's Day, Father's Day or any day of the year. A handprint ornament makes a wonderful gift, and it is also something your child can cherish for many years. All you need to get started is our Sculpey Keepsake Deluxe Handprint Kit. Once you have the kit, here is what you will do:

  • Start with clean hands and a clean work surface. Use wax paper, foil, metal or glass to protect the work area.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Knead the clay for two minutes.
  • Form a smooth ball and place the ball in the middle of the ring.
  • Flatten the ball until it fills the ring.
  • Using the roller, roll the clay in the ring until it is even and smooth.
  • Gently push the clay from the bottom sides until it comes out of the ring.
  • Make sure your child's hands are washed and dried.
  • Leave room on the bottom or side of the clay to put your child's name and date.
  • Press your child's hand firmly into the clay. You can use a foot for a footprint instead.
  • Use the pointed end of the detail tool to make two holes at the top of the ornament for a ribbon. 
  • Use the detail tool to add your child's name and date. You can also write the name and date with permanent marker after baking instead.
  • Put the ornament on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After baking, allow the ornament to cool and then add the ribbon.

You can add all kinds of creative details when the ornament is finished baking and has cooled. For example, you can use acrylic paint to add more color or add glitter to make the ornament sparkle and shine.

3. Bake Shop Light Ice Cream Cone Pen

Get your child excited to write with a pen that looks like an ice cream cone. Just try not to make it too realistic, or they might be tempted to take a bite.

An ice cream cone pen is fun, easy and turns an ordinary old pen into a sweet treasure. Kids will love to add their own "toppings" or use their favorite flavors.

If your child doesn't want an ice cream pen, that's no problem, either. Lightweight Pluffy makes it easy to turn a pen into anything your child wants, whether it be animal-shaped or decorated like a slice of pizza. With Pluffy, anything their heart desires is within their reach. Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Bake Shop Light multipacks in Pastel, Tropical and Primary colors
  • Sculpey Clay Conditioning Machine
  • Sculpey Modeling Tools, 4-pack
  • Bic pen
  • 3.5-inch Circle Cutter
  • Pliers

Here's what you and your child can work on together:

  • Remove the ink cartridge from the pen with pliers and set aside.
  • Mix beige and brown Pluffy in even parts to form a 1 to 1/8-inch ball.
  • Shape into a thick log and press the pen through it.
  • Form into a cone shape around the pen.
  • Put the clay conditioning machine on setting number four.
  • Mix beige and brown to create more light-brown clay.
  • Pass the light brown mixture through the conditioning machine.
  • Use the circle cutter to cut out a circle.
  • Create a waffle pattern in the circle shape using a modeling tool.
  • Fold the waffle-patterned piece around the cone shape.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Place the cone on a baking sheet and bake according to package instructions.
  • Allow cooling after baking.
  • Cut small pieces of brown clay for chocolate chip pieces.
  • Cut up tiny pieces of red clay for strawberry pieces.
  • Bake the brown and red pieces according to package instructions, and let cool.
  • Form two 1 1/8-inch balls of lime green and pink.
  • Form a one-inch beige ball
  • Stretch bottoms of both the pink and beige balls to create a dripping look.
  • Flatten the bottom of the lime green ball.
  • Center the lime green ball over the pen on top of the cone, and push through, followed by the pink ball and beige ball. Gently press together.
  • Form a 1/4-inch red ball for the cherry.
  • Press the cherry on top. 
  • Decorate the lime green ball with chocolate pieces and the pink ball with strawberry pieces.
  • Bake according to the package instructions.
  • Allow the cone to cool and reinsert the pen cartridge.

4. Bake Shop Light Pencil Cup

A Bake Shop Light Pencil Cup is super easy to make and is a great choice for the beginning clay-crafter. Kids can familiarize themselves with Bake Shop Light when they make this pencil cup. Once they realize how fun and easy polymer clay is to use, they'll want to move onto the next project. Maybe they'll want to make an ice cream cone pen next to go with their new colorful pencil cup. Just make sure you're around when it comes time to trim the clay with the craft knife. All you need to get started is:

  • Bake Shop Light Multipack — Brights 
  • Paint can or soup can
  • Craft knife

Here's what you'll do:

  • Roll eight to 10 snakes of each color that are about five inches long and 1/4-inch thick.
  • Arrange the colors around the can vertically, alternating colors.
  • Press them gently into the can.
  • Trim off excess clay with the craft knife.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Bake the can according to package instructions.
  • After the pencil cup is cool, help your child pick out favorite pens and pencils to fill it with.

5. Sculpey Treasure Box

Kids love special boxes to store their tiny treasures. Whether a child wants a box to hold jewelry or to hide magical stones they find on a nature hike, a box keeps beloved objects all in one place.

We are are going to show you how to make a Sculpey III Dino Treasure Keeper Box. This personalized box is perfect for both girls and boys who love dinosaurs and even features a window to peek in on the adorable clay dinosaur inside. You can easily customize the instructions to suit the tastes of your little clayer. If they wish to have a butterfly box instead, for example — no problem! Have fun, play around and enjoy this neat little treasure box. Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Sculpey III clays: Sky Blue, Granny Smith, Emerald, Tan, Turquoise, Elephant Gray, Red, Black, White
  • Wooden window box
  • Sky blue and tan acrylic paint
  • Toothpick
  • Paintbrush
  • Craft knife
  • Glue

Here's how to prepare the box:

  • Paint the inside of the box sky blue. It may need two coats.
  • Paint the window insert a tan color.
  • Allow both to dry completely before adding clay to the box.

Next, take these steps to make the dinosaur figure:

  • Roll a dime-sized ball of Sky Blue clay for the body.
  • Flatten the ball and form an oval shape.
  • Make sure it fits into the window area nicely.
  • Roll a small blue ball for the head. 
  • Use a craft knife to make a mouth.
  • Attach the head to the body.
  • Roll a small blue ball to form the tail. 
  • Flatten and shape into a triangle.
  • Press the tail onto the body. 
  • Roll out a 1/8-inch diameter snake of Granny Smith clay.
  • Slice the snake into 5 equal pieces.
  • Form the pieces into triangles. 
  • Attach to the dinosaur's back to create its spikes.
  • Roll a 1/16-inch diameter snake of Turquoise clay.
  • Cut into 5 equal pieces.
  • Roll the pieces into small balls.
  • Press the balls onto the dinosaur's body for spots.
  • Make a tiny white ball for the eye.
  • Press the white ball onto the head.
  • Add a tiny black piece of clay to the center of the eye.
  • Set the dinosaur on a baking surface.

Now, prepare your child's name for the box and other decorations:

  • Roll out a 1/8-inch diameter snake of Tan clay.
  • Cut pieces and form letters of the name you wish to create.
  • Place the letters on the baking surface.

To make clouds for the box:

  • Roll 8 small balls of white clay and flatten.
  • Form into oblong shapes.
  • Use a toothpick to add a textured look to the clouds.
  • Place clouds on the baking surface.

To make birds:

  • Roll out 1/16-inch diameter snake of Black clay.
  • Cut into two 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Form points on each end of each piece.
  • Use the toothpick to bend the center of each piece.
  • Place birds on the baking surface.

To make hills:

  • Roll 8 balls of Granny Smith clay.
  • Make different sizes for a variety of hills.
  • Flatten and form into hill shapes.
  • Press on the box to make adjustments to size and determine placement.

To make palm trees:

  • Roll three 3/16-inch by 3/4-inch diameter snakes of Tan clay to form a tree trunk.
  • Cut into three pieces to make three trees.
  • Flatten and use the toothpick to carve lines and create a bark look.
  • Roll 15 equal-sized ovals of Emerald Green clay for the treetops.
  • Flatten green pieces.
  • Use the toothpick to create a leaf pattern on each piece.
  • Arrange each leaf on top of each tree with 5 leaves per tree.

To make decorative leaves:

  • Roll 21 small balls of Emerald Green clay.
  • Form into oblong shapes and flatten.
  • Point each end.
  • Press rounded ends of 3 leaves together.
  • Use the toothpick to draw a line down each leaf.

To make the volcano:

  • Roll a 1/2-inch wide ball of Elephant Grey clay.
  • Form into a mountain shape with a flat top.
  • Use the toothpick to create vertical lines down the mountain.
  • Roll a 1/4-inch ball of Red clay.
  • Form into an oblong shape.
  • Press on top of the volcano and pull it down slightly to make it look like lava.

With all your pieces shaped and ready, it's time to create the clay scene for the outside of your box and get ready for baking. Here's how:

  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Make a scene one-side-of-the-box at a time.
  • Place each scene panel onto the baking surface.
  • Bake the 4 scenes, plus the separate birds, name letters, dinosaur and clouds according to package instructions.
  • Allow scene and pieces to cool before attaching to the box.

To finish the treasure box:

  • Glue the dinosaur onto the window insert.
  • Glue the letters on top of the front of the box.
  • Glue the scene panels onto the lower side of the box.
  • Glue the birds and clouds on the box where you wish.
  • Allow everything to dry overnight.

A Few Quick Tips

Before you get started on one of the above projects or any polymer clay crafts for kids, we suggest keeping the following tips in mind.

  • Don't use too many colors: Try to stick with only a few colors at first. Young ones tend to mix lots of different colors, which produces a muddy color. So, keep it simple in the beginning.
  • Keep polymer clay away from a heat source: Polymer clay will cure, or harden, at a low heat, so store projects or leftover clay away from heaters or windows. 
  • Protect work surfaces: Create a workspace by covering a surface with wax paper or aluminum foil to help protect furniture from polymer clay.
  • Clean hands first and between colors: Always wash hands with soap and water and dry before working with clay. Wash or use baby wipes to clean hands when switching between clay colors.
  • Prepare clay for crafting: It's recommended to knead clay or use a clay conditioning machine or pasta machine before each project to make sure clay is soft, smooth and ready for crafting.
  • Guide children through the process: Kids will be so excited to make a new craft with polymer clay, and they will look forward to working on a project with you. Guide them through different steps until they build their claying skills and confidence. Soon, they'll be able to complete many projects on their own. However, they can explore and experiment with polymer clay anytime at any level.
  • Follow baking instructions carefully: Make sure to follow package instructions exactly as they say because baking a project too long or for too little at the wrong temperature can ruin it. That's the last thing we want to happen after all the fun you and your child had creating your masterpiece.

Where to Get Polymer Clay for Kids

There are so many clay-making ideas out there that there are entire books written on the subject. Children love to play, explore and create their own masterpieces without instruction, too, and we highly encourage that. 

If you're inspired by these clay ideas for kids and are wondering where to get Sculpey brand polymer clay, you've come to the right place. From Sculpey Original to Sculpey Pluffy, we have the polymer clay kits and products you need to get started.

For more than 50 years, Polyform Products Company has helped bring innovation and creation to homes and communities all over America, by delivering the latest and greatest Sculpey polymer clay products. We know our stuff and would love to answer any questions you have about polymer clay or Sculpey products.

We hope we inspired you and your child to jump into the world of polymer clay with kids' Sculpey projects. You'll create great memories together, build new skills and have lots of cool mementos as souvenir of your polymer clay adventures.

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